Pakistan Women’s Cricket Star Nida Dar Returns After Mental Health Break

Former Pakistan women’s cricket captain Nida Dar has announced her return to professional cricket, nearly 14 months after stepping away from the sport to focus on her mental health. The 39-year-old bowling all-rounder made the announcement on social media platform X on Thursday, stating that she is once again available for the national team.

Dar had taken an indefinite break from cricket in April 2025, citing the need to prioritise her mental well-being. In her post, she wrote, “After taking time to focus on myself and regain my strength, I am happy to inform that I’m back and once again available for the Pakistan cricket team.” She added, “I am ready to give my best, work hard, and contribute whenever the team needs me. Thank you to everyone who supported me on this journey.”

Dar last played for Pakistan during the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. Shortly after the tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) removed her from the central contract list, and Fatima Sana was appointed captain in her place. Dar had originally taken over the captaincy from Bismah Maroof after the 2023 T20 World Cup.

Over her international career, Dar has played 112 One-Day Internationals, taking 108 wickets and scoring 1,690 runs, including 11 half-centuries. In T20 Internationals, she has claimed 144 wickets — the most by any Pakistani woman in the format — and scored 2,091 runs with seven half-centuries. Her return comes at a time when Pakistan’s women’s team is struggling in the ongoing T20 World Cup, having lost their opening matches against India and South Africa, and currently sitting fifth in Group A.